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Ecological Tourism Development in Small Islands: Meta-Analysis of Ecological Resources, Community Welfare, and Community Participation in Sustainability 2019-2024
Summary
This review of five years of research on island ecotourism finds that when local communities help protect natural areas like mangroves and coastlines, both the environment and residents' well-being benefit. It also flags a growing concern: microplastic pollution is increasingly showing up in these coastal ecosystems, which matters for human health since these plastics can enter the food chain through seafood and eventually end up on our plates. The takeaway is that sustainable, community-led tourism isn't just good for local culture and economies—it's a practical tool for keeping our oceans and food supply cleaner.
This article aims to synthesize review studies that assess trends and challenges in ecological and sustainable tourism from 2019 to 2024, with a focus on two main aspects: the use of ecological resources and community engagement in environmental protection. Using "Publish or Perish" and VOSviewer analysis, relevant articles were identified, covering topics like ecological tourism, community well-being, ecological resources, sustainable tourism, small island tourism, and community participation in tourism. The selection process prioritized articles from reputable indexed journals to ensure credibility. Initially, 200 journals were reviewed, and through cross-referencing, selected for analysis. The findings highlight key challenges such as ecological resource management and climate change, as well as the opportunities presented by sustainable tourism, especially in small island settings. The role of local communities in tourism sustainability is emphasized, showing how it can both empower communities and protect cultural identities. This article provides valuable insights into how sustainable tourism can promote local well-being and environmental protection, contributing to a more sustainable future for future generations. The VOSviewer analysis further shows that mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystems are central research themes, with emerging topics like capacity, mangrove ecosystem, and mangrove ecotourism reflecting recent research trends. Key concerns include environmental impacts, particularly climate change, pollution, and human activities, as well as biodiversity and sustainability. There is growing interest in the human impact, particularly microplastic pollution, and a shift towards ecosystem-based management.